Biology

2011-2012

Mr. Medley

Biology is the study of life in its many forms. In this introductory class for 9th graders we will undertake this study in 5 units. The first is on populations and ecosystems. In this unit we will look at large scale phenomena, including what affects population sizes and what are the many interconnections among species in a community. The second unit will focus on viruses and bacteria. In this unit we will study cells, the spread of diseases and begin to consider the wide range of living species on earth. The third and fourth units are on genetics and evolution respectively. We will go from the small to the large here from how DNA codes for characteristics and how genes are passed through generations to how life has spread over the earth in its myriad forms. The final unit is on energy flow through living systems. In this unit we will consider photosynthesis, respiration and how we gain and store energy in our body, but also fossil fuels and our societys energy habits. Biology, like all science, is a way of thinking, and we will focus on what distinguishes that way of thinking throughout the year. We will generate and use data to test hypotheses. We will develop and test models. We will look for evidence constantly, and we will struggle with just how strong of conclusions our data will support. Supplies: Students should bring a three ring binder and pencil to class every day. They may largely leave their text book at home for studying and homework. Work and Grades Quizzes and Tests: Every other week on Friday we will have a 10-15 minute quiz. This gives students and me a chance to find out if theyre keeping up. They will get a chance to redo this quiz the following week. There will be major tests at the end of each of the five units and finals at the end of each semester. It will also be possible to redo these. Daily Work and Notebooks Students will turn in their three ring binders every other week on Friday. In it they will keep their handouts and the work they do in class. Each class will start with a warm up for which students will get a stamp. These stamps count in the notebook grade too. Occasional extra projects will be assigned that do not go in the notebook like posters, or multiweek labs. These will be graded separately.

Grading Total grades will be determined by summing the total points students have earned and dividing it by the number of points possible. This percentage will be compared to the standard scale of 90-100, A; 80-89, B; 70-79, C; 60-69, D, and below 60 an F. Students will have a chance to retake all quizzes and tests. This opportunity will usually last for a week. The students can recover up to half of the points they missed on the original quiz or test. Notebooks need to be turned in on time. I will accept them the next period for half credit, but beyond that I will not accept them. If students have had excused absences, of course, I will accept late work, and will usually provide a day extension for every day missed. Extra time can be made by arrangement. Behavior Expectations Students are expected to come to class on time and ready to learn. All school rules are enforced in class, notably the no hats policy and the no electronics policy. Cell phones should be muted and put away. Students must respect each others right to learn. Intimidation, put downs, disruptions and disrespect will not be tolerated Consequences for misbehavior will escalate from warnings, time outs, detentions after school and eventually referrals to the administration. I try to phone home when I see poor behaviors that arent improving or are affecting learning.

How families can best support their students. The first page in the students notebooks will list the work that they are doing during each two week period and the goals for those weeks. Thursday nights before the quiz are a good time to check with students to make sure their notebooks are complete and that they are confident about the material that will be on the quiz. On the following Tuesday they should be able to show you their notebook and quiz or test scores. Encourage them to retake the quiz or test if they did not do well. I regularly update my blog at http://biologyghs.blogspot.com/ Feel free to contact me at emedley@pps.net.